Difference between revisions of "3D Printing"

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The printers can be reached at the following addresses while connected to the network at MakeICT:
 
The printers can be reached at the following addresses while connected to the network at MakeICT:
  
*Rep Rap Mendel: [http://reprap.makeict.org reprap.makeict.org] 192.168.9.30
 
 
*Ultimaker 2: [http://ultimaker.makeict.org ultimaker.makeict.org] 192.168.9.31
 
*Ultimaker 2: [http://ultimaker.makeict.org ultimaker.makeict.org] 192.168.9.31
 
*Rostock Max V2: [http://rostock.makeict.org rostock.makeict.org] 192.168.9.32
 
*Rostock Max V2: [http://rostock.makeict.org rostock.makeict.org] 192.168.9.32
 +
*Creality CR-10: [http://creality.makeict.org creality.makeict.org]
 +
*Prusa i3 MK3 [http://prusa.makeict.org prusa.makeict.org]
  
 
To run a print: select your file and click the print button.
 
To run a print: select your file and click the print button.

Revision as of 11:35, 3 July 2018

About

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that allows for the creation of real-world, tangible objects from 3D virtual models. MakeICT maintains the following 3D printers:

Machine Access Policy

Use of the 3D printers requires authorization from an approved peer-authorizor or attendance in a 3D printer workshop that includes authorization.

  • Any member who has been authorized to use the 3D printer may peer-authorize other members
  • Authorization instruction must at least include
    • Fundamental knowledge of each printer's working principles
    • Proper use and control of each printer
    • Software workflow
    • How to change filament
    • How to pay for material

Filament Fund

Printing with filament provided by MakeICT costs $0.04 per gram. After printing, please weigh your print using the provided scale and put the appropriate amount of money in the filament fund jar. If you have any requests for new colors/types of filaments, you can write them on the same jar.

Workflow

Note: This process is under development and may change. Check back here for updates if something changes.

Slicing

Slicing is the process of converting an STL file to the G-Code required to run the printer.

Any slicer with an appropriately configured profile can be used to generate G-Code to run the machines. We have setup Slic3r with profiles for each machine on the design computer in the Fab Lab, and are working to configure the same for Cura. These profiles are available on the Slicer Profiles page on this Wiki.

Slic3r has native support for uploading to Octoprint, just hit the 'Upload to printer' button in the 'Plater' tab. In Cura just export the G-Code file and upload it using the file browser in Octoprint.

When slicing, be sure to use the correct profile for the machine you intend to print on. G-Code generated for one machine WILL NOT work properly on the others.

Printing

Each printer can be run using Octoprint. Thorough instructions on this interface can be found on the Octoprint page. The username and password are 'maker'.

The printers can be reached at the following addresses while connected to the network at MakeICT:

To run a print: select your file and click the print button.

General Use Tips

  • When changing from a filament that prints hotter to one that prints cooler (e.g. ABS to PLA) you should do a cold pull to remove the old plastic that is lining the melt chamber. Otherwise there will likely be problems with underextrusion due to the unmelted plastic. (Not necessary or effective with e3d hotends)
  • When your print is finished, do not immediately turn off the power; wait until the nozzle has cooled. The Ultimaker and Rostock have actively cooled heatsinks on their hotends, and if power is cut before the nozzle is cool the filament can melt higher up than intended and cause a jam.
  • Be careful when removing prints. The glass beds are fairly durable, but can be cracked with excessive force. No hammers, mallets, or other bludgeoning devices are to be used for print removal!
  • G-Code files generated for one printer should never be used on another. Re-run the slicer with the appropriate profiles for the machine that is being used
  • Check material before starting a print. Make sure it is the correct type, and that there is enough to complete the print.

References

3D Printer Authorized Users

To see authorized users expand this section --->

Expand